Refresh

REFRESH yourself.  Wait till afternoon! (Judges 19:8, NIV)

The verse not entirely in context; however, this year at LetFest, we adjusted the schedule to have all the activities in the afternoon!  This allowed for free mornings to join in service projects in the city and to have some prep-time before the whirlwind of activities in the afternoon.  Solely focusing on activities in the afternoon eliminated some of the stress that traditionally accompanies LetFest, which truly was refreshing.

But I'm in the very presence of God - oh, how REFRESHING it is! I've made Lord God my home.  God, I'm telling the world what you do! (Ps. 73:26-28, Message)

On Thursday, I was sitting in chapel with a little 10-year-old friend.  As our speaker got up and began walking to the front, my little friend leaned over and whispered to me, "Kendra, I have some spiritual questions.  Can we talk later?"  I thought, "our speaker hasn't even said anything yet today, and she already has questions!"  But the fact is that I have known this little girl for many years, and for years she has heard the gospel shared through LetFest, sleepovers, and Elim events.  During the evening, we found a time to escape away from all the activities and (miraculously) found a quiet room.  My little friend shared with me that she believes in God and was even baptized, but with loving eyes she said, "But this isn't enough, I want a personal relationship with Jesus."  I had suggested that we find a translator - I didn't want anything to be lost due to my lack of language!  The sweet girl replied, "Kendra, I just want you."  I shot a quick prayer to God for the right words, and He (along with some help from GoogleTranslator) gave me all the words I needed to share the gospel story.  Apparently, my basic understanding of the language is all God needed to convey His love in a way a child would understand.  After some time talking, my little friend sat on my knees and prayed to have a personal relationship with Christ!  HALLELUJAH!

The next day, I grabbed a Children's Picture Bible from my office, jotted a quick note in the cover, and set out to find my little friend.  Her response was not what I had expected.  As I pulled the Bible out of my bag, her eyes widened with wonder.  She flipped open the cover and her eyes puddled.  For minutes, I held the most grateful Bible-reciever I have ever experienced!  With tear-streaked cheeks, she clutched the new treasure; and the next day, joyfully showed me her bookmark and all she had read the night before.  Praise Jesus!

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you have REFRESHED the hearts of the Lord's people.  (Phil. 1:7, NIV)

Another little 10-year-old encouraged me greatly during the week.  She shared with me one day that everyone in her family - grandparents, uncle, and cousins - are all Christians except for her parents and aunt - the people who are closest to her.  I asked my little friend, "What about you? Do you believe in God?"  She looked at me as if I was asking a silly question, "Kendra, there has to be something more.  I believe that is God."  The faith of children refreshes my heart.

A generous person will prosper; whoever REFRESHES others will be REFRESHED. (Prov. 11:25, NIV)

Frequently during the week, I found myself in the midst of many activities.  As a lead organizer, there were usually 15 minutes of chaos before English Classes and before Workshops as I ran around gathering materials, setting up, answering questions, and adjusting to last-minute changes.  Once the activities started, it all worked smoothly (Thank God!).  Yet somehow, one of my youth students and a good friend of mine always seemed to show up after these minutes of chaos just to give me a hug and say words of encouragement.  I wondered how God always sent her at the perfect time to make sure I was also refreshed to continue in the day's activities!  God continued to refill and refuel me.

Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, ... so that the foreigner living among you may be REFRESHED. (Ex. 23:12, NIV). 

Level 1

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Level 3

While this year was my eighth LetFest, it was my seventh year in Kid's Class!  I have taught the Kid's Class the past six years, but this year as a lead organizer, I was given the position of Kid's Class Coordinator.  This meant that I didn't have my own class; however, I mingled in all the classes - participating in games and activities throughout the day and helping where needed.  During English Class time, I felt completely refreshed as I could simply jump in and out of classes and encourage the teachers during that time.  Since I teach English all year in this city, it was definitely wonderful to sit in and watch others teach as I gathered ideas to build into future lessons.

Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat - REFRESHING! (Prov. 25:13, Message)

In addition to Kid's Classes, I was also the lead organizer for Kid's Workshops in the evening.  Each evening, we had two different workshops for the kids to participate in; and at each workshop were two American helpers and some Czech translators.  We had prepared all the workshops and activities ahead of time, even though the activities always seem to change anyway.  One workshop was scheduled to be "Ultimate Tug-of-War," but when we took out the big rope, the helpers started twirling it and we started "Ultimate Jumprope" instead!  Crafts like "Slime" turned into "Magical Experiments" as we never could get the recipe quite right and "Balloon Sports" became more of "Rescuing the Balloons from the Wind."  However, in each of these activities, the kids were joyfully playing and loved the activities!  I had told my volunteers that the time is supposed to be flexible and relaxed - just be with the kids - and these reliable friends delivered!

... REFRESH yourself with something to eat; then you can go. (Judges 19:5, NIV)

A total of 47 of us were in the Kid's Classes including students, translators, and helpers.  The highest level class decided they wanted to teach their students how to make American S'mores (a treat that many Czech children have never experienced).  Once they started making the S'mores, other classes became interested and the American leaders continued inviting the other classes to come and enjoy making the tasty snack.  With only one pack of marshmallows, a box of graham crackers, and 6 chocolate bars, we wondered how everyone was satisfied!  Our team declared it a "Jesus Feeds the Five-Thousand" kind of event!

Just as lotions and fragrance give a sensual delight, a sweet friendship REFRESHES the soul.  (Prov. 27:9, Message)

During LetFest, I celebrated my 24th birthday.  It is on this day that I am often reminded of the many friendships I have here in Letovice.  Some friends brought chocolates and other sweets or some small meaningful items.  One friend even gifted perfume - yet as the verse mentioned, it is the friendships that are really the sweetest gift.  God has truly blessed me through this city, church, and friends.

For they REFRESHED my spirit and yours also.  Such men deserve recognition. (1 Cor. 16:18, NIV)

After LetFest, I joined the American Team (and a couple Czech friends) for our debrief in Prague.  During the week of LetFest, we are all doing many different activities, and it is sometimes hard to have a chance to really connect with the team.  The time in Prague with the team was a blessing to me as I got to spend time with other Minnesotans and was able to show them around a familiar city.  The team continued to encourage each other and strengthened friendships during this time.  It refreshed me to join them for that time, and this team deserves MUCH recognition for all they did serving these past couple of weeks!